For some reason, E6M8 of Wolf is printed in my mind - but I rarely use it as an inspiration for a map. Some maps of Episode 5 are also favourites of mine, but that episode was a tad short, in my opinion. Episode 4 has a lot of gems too, and of course Episode 2. But the first and third episode were rather weak in design - but looking back, nothing beats that first impression we got from E1M1 and the first four-five maps ahead.

I never was a Spear-man. Looking on the maps in overview, I'd say map 13 is my favourite... But I've never really played them all, I recall I beat the game one time in my life, and that was well after my introduction to the Wolf community. It wasn't the same.

Wow. Such memories! I remember playing the shareware version of Episode 1 when it first came out....

Memories of favorite levels, let's see....

-Of course, EP1M1.-EP1M9, fighting Hans never got old.-EP2M1, fighting mutants for first time still sticks in my brain.-EP2M9, I always loved the room Schabbs was in.-EP3M9, What can I say? Fighting Hitler and his ghost guards was epic.

Then came the Nocturnal Missions. While I enjoyed them as well, imo they didn't compare to the first 3 episodes. Maybe the bosses in Nocturnal Missions were not as memorable I guess.

@Dark_wizzie wrote:Honestly, memories aside. Do you really think the mapping in original Wolf is up to par? For the most part, not as much, but I like more mapping styles.

No, I think most maps of original Wolf seem rushed and undone - pushwalls blocking treasure, pushwalls not being three squares long (E6M2, anyone?) and dogs marching with actual guards - have you seen the marching patterns? It's horrible. But I'd say Episode 6's design is probably the better one. However, it's fun to play those maps 'cause they're the real deal. It's a tough question.

@Tenamk wrote:For some reason, I loved E2M5 - that ceiling color... good old times.

I have very fond memories of that one too. After the gloom and dark feel of the first four maps (aside from the bonus map, of course) it's such a joy to play this map. While the wall patches, sprites and overall design is pretty reminiscent of the episode, the ceiling colour just stands out. It doesn't even really fit the blue stone-part, which is pretty inspirational; and it just looks awkward in the wood panel part. I remember when I first played it... Gagging around trying to find the pushwall to get to the place behind the well in the first room on your left hand as you start... You know, the purple stone texture with the mutant? There's nothing there... But the thought alone amused me, and back then I'd no idea about mapping or looking at these maps from overview. I thought it was a whole new area you'd either have to cheat your way into or wait your way into. Good times!

I always liked the symmetry in Episode 5 level 4. It is really small, but when I first played it I thought it was great. Episode 4 level 2 is often named, and I really like it too. I always liked the beginning area with the outside walls behind the columns. It's a great colour combination plus it gives a feeling of being locked in. When I was younger I always wanted to make a mod where you could walk outside too, in that landscape.

I guess the first level should be named too. It is so recognizable and it's a good design too.

E4M2 really had me in a craze the first two or three times I played it... I had no idea how to work that trick secret. And as naive as I was in my line of thought, I came to believe that place was the "dark secret" mentioned in the episode name. Funny... Always loved the dark, closed feel as well - however, the daylight landscape put me off - 'cause the blue bricks, the prison, the eerie music (I always felt "Searching" was very low-fi and depressing in a sort of way) doesn't make up to that - whereas the first map, in which you start in a light environment with grey bricks and columns, the daylight fits like a glove.

E5M4 was the opposite - I found all secrets the first time I played it, mainly because I search every room like a lab monkey... Sometimes before shooting enemies. If that wasn't 3D... A guy running into a room filled with armed angry men, humping the wall. Oh well. The structure of E5M4 is great, cubic and caging - an excellent promo of E6M6 which I think is one of the best maps ever. But E5M4... Wow. That's one of the maps I always overlook and forget, looking back - along with E4M7 and E1M6.

I don't really like most boss levels for Wolf3d. I mean, it's supposed to be a showdown of a level sorta thing, but when the bosses can beat in my sleep, it's not really arena level worthy. Take E1L9, for example. The mapping is very different from what I do, worth studying.